How do motion controls work in Overwatch for Nintendo Switch?

How do motion controls work in Overwatch for Nintendo Switch?

Best answer: Motion controls for Overwatch on the Switch can be used to aim by tilting, such as when using Widowmaker's sniper rifle and jerking upwards to score a headshot. This is called gyro-aiming, and it helps players line up shots that are difficult to get when playing on consoles. You will also be able to use Joy-Cons, similar to a laser pointer.Go Pro: Nintendo Switch Pro Controller ($50 at Amazon)More heroes: Overwatch Legendary Edition ($58 at Amazon)

What is motion control, and why does Overwatch need it?

Motion controls, or gyro-aiming, in video game controllers use sensors that detect movement, and then track the motion of said movement as accurately as possible. For example, when you're playing Splatoon 2, and you tilt the controller, the location tilts too. This is so that Joy-Cons and Pro Controllers can pinpoint your movement.

This is essential for Overwatch, especially for heroes that rely heavily on accuracy. For instance, Widowmaker and Hanzo will be able to use motion controls to pull off shots with a quick jerk of the wrist. It'll also help with aiming, so you don't have to focus solely on lining up your shot. Now all you'll need is quick reaction time and a lot of instinct.

The best way to play on the Nintendo Switch

For some of us, motion controls are the bane of our existence. However, according to Wes Yanagi, an Overwatch producer that talked to the Australian website Vooks, one of the designers have taken to playing with gyro-aiming and completely "dominates."

For those who have played Overwatch on console or PC, motion controls may take a while to get used to. However, new players, especially those who are used to the gyro-aiming system in Splatoon 2 and Breath of the Wild, may take to this exciting way to play Blizzard's hero FPS. After all, using Joy-Cons to point and shoot rely on both your awareness, sensitivity, and aim.

Motion control differences: Joy-Cons vs. Pro Controllers

Of course, it isn't just the Joy-Cons you can do this with. The Nintendo Switch Pro controller is also suitable for gyro-aiming. It could be the perfect accessory for those who have a Nintendo Switch Lite and want to take advantage of these handy motion controls without being forced to use handheld.

There's not a whole lot of difference between the two controllers. They mostly have the same motion control capabilities. However, you're not able to use the Pro Controller like a laser pointer in the same way you would with the Joy-Cons, which might be a deal-breaker for you.

However, the Pro Controller does have better battery capabilities, lasting up to 40 hours. Compared to the Joy-Cons' six-hour span, it might not be too much of a loss to stick with the Pro Controller.

Aimee Hart
Latest in Nintendo Switch
NYXI Wizard Wireless Joy-Pad product shot
Nintendo recap: New GameCube controller for Switch promises never to drift, if you can manage to buy one
Supposed The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom Switch OLED leak
Nintendo recap: Next-gen console predicted for 2024 amid Zelda Switch OLED leaks
Fortnite Christmas event Season 7
Nintendo recap: You may be eligible for a Fortnite refund from the $520M settlement
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet rider on Miraidon
Are Pokémon Scarlet and Violet getting Expansion Pass DLC?
Pokemon Scarlet and Violet Koraidon gliding
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet Travel Abilities: How to unlock Surf, Glide, Climb, Dash, and Jump
Pokémon Scarlet and Violet character getting a Meal Power buff
Best order to play Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: Gyms, Titans, and Team Star Bases
Latest in How-to
iPhone 16 Event Invite It's Glowtime
How to watch the iPhone 16 Glowtime reveal event - tune in for iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Pro, iPhone 16 Plus and iPhone 16 Pro Max
macOS Sequoia
Here's how to use Window Tiling on macOS Sequoia
iPhone 14 with Messages app on home screen
Here's how to add some flair to your messages with new iOS 18 text effects
watchOS 11
How to pause activity streaks in watchOS 11
Apple Intelligence Siri on iPhone 15 Pro Max
How to type to Siri on iOS 18 and why it's made me use it more
Control Center iOS 18
Control Center has been supercharged in iOS 18 — here’s how to get the most from it